Thousands of Poles and people from other EU states living in Scotland are being urged to register their vote for the coming elections.

The campaign to encourage all EU nationals to have their voice heard was launched by the Scottish Executive and the Electoral Commission.

Registration forms have been translated into 10 different languages, including Polish, French and Chinese.

The launch came as political parties stepped up campaigning activity.

The campaign aims to ensure people know they must register by 18 April to allow them to vote in the Scottish election.

Important issues

It is hoping to have a far-ranging reach and will also target young people, students, home-movers and people in rented accommodation.

Andy O'Neill, head of the Electoral Commission's Scotland office, said: "It's important that everyone who is eligible to vote on 3 May is registered so they can have a say on issues which matter to them."

The registration campaign is being supported by bus operator First Group, 200 of whose Scottish drivers are from other EU countries, mainly Poland.

One of those drivers, Lukasz Matlak, 24, who recently moved to Glasgow, said: "I'm looking forward to being able to use my vote for the first time on May 3 - having a say by voting is an important part of living in a place like Scotland."